The district is not only making students aware of the test, but it will pay the testing fee as well.

The PSAT is given to the nation’s 10th and 11th graders. It’s sort of a test run for the popular SAT, but it also lays a foundation of sorts for students who plan to move on to college.

Jamachi Eluchie is not your average Hammond High School student. The senior, who has already been accepted at Princeton, is also a national achievement scholar. He'll be the first to tell you that taking the PSAT is a sure bet.

"It prepares you for college life because in college, you're not going to have everything handed to you as you see it on the study guide," Elichie said.

The PSAT measures student progress in writing, reading and math. It also determines how well students will perform in higher-level courses.

"It's about allowing access and opportunity for students, like in my AP psychology class. There are, like, 105 students, which is tremendous given the diversity at Hammond High School," teacher Jody Zepp said.

Howard County school officials said that's why they're trying to get the word out early and often.

"It is absolutely a measuring stick. It's one data point that we use, but again, they are 13 times more likely to score that 1650 or higher," said Elizabeth Grace Chesney, with Howard County schools.

That comes as no surprise to the Hammond High School principal, who's convinced getting parents on board is a top priority.

"As we talk with parents, really what we are talking about is, 'What are your dreams for your child? What are your goals for your student?' We can help use the PSAT data to help you identify a pathway for you and your student to reach those goals," Principal Marcia Leonard said.